Jewelry Making Questions

[luv2mickey]

My 18yo DD wants to learn to make jewelry, does anyone make jewelry and know where I begin? I want to buy her supplies for her birthday and have looked at AC Moore so far, but I was not happy with their beads I want to buy her swarowski beads and real silver clasps. Does anyone shop online?

 

[luv2mickey]

Silver looks really expensive, what about the silver plated, Does it hold up?

 

[pampam]

I don't know your daughter or your or her tastes, so I can't say too much. What I'm wondering is if maybe this is a passing thing. I'd hate to get into expensive jewelery findings and realize that it was something she is not really liking. Perhaps some supplies at Michaels might suit her until she realizes this is something she really would like to persue.

 

[clh2]

Is there anywhere local that has classes? That might make a great present!

In my neck of the woods - bead stores offer classes, as well as some of the local park and recreation departments. I would imagine that some local community colleges offer this as an enrichment program (i.e. not as part of a for-credit curriculum.)

 

[Anastasia]

http://www.firemountaingems.com/

It is very easy to get carried away with beads!

 

[NYCDiane]

I know that Michaels offers classes in beading/jewelry making. There are also tons of books on it (I bought a few on ebay when I was thinking of getting into a jewelry-making business)

 

[snarlingcoyote]

Check your local college and university leisure learning classes. They often have someone who teaches beginning jewelry making or beading classes. Also, check to see if there is a local beading/jewelry making store around - they will often have classes as well. Finally, if you have any local fairs or markets that highlight local artisans, that can be a good place to talk to other jewelry makers and find out about local resources. Some won't be friendly, of course, but others will be teaching classes and hosting "beading parties" and such on the side and will be helpful.

<=====Not a beader, but have several relatives and friends who are. Also, I love to buy hand-crafted jewelry.

 

[soccerchick]

For instruction, youtube is her friend.

For basic supplies (wire) and tools, save the coupons for Michaels and AcMoore, etc.

Also, look and see if there is a Gem and Jewelry Show anywhere near you. When I was more actively making jewelry, I went to these shows. Much better selection of silver, there was one Swarovski lady (very mean though) and nice and cheap stones.

Another hint for the Gem and Jewelry shows is to find the vendors lists and check out their websites. You might be able to find free passes to the show.

Online I've used fireMountain and BLueMud. I used to order with some friends as the prices went down the more you purchased.

 

[Princess_Meghan <3]

Start her off with the basics- stringing necklaces is a great place to start! I know our Michael's offers some classes, so you could look into that for her. Watch for Michael's coupons to get supplies a little cheaper. Michael's also has bracelet/necklace kits with colored glass beads and seed beads- you would need to buy beading wire, crimp beads and some clasps to go with it, but she can make bracelets and necklaces with them, and it would be a good starting point to see if she likes it or not. A beading board might also be a good idea- it lets you lay out the beads in the pattern you want before you start stringing. I think Michael's has some at a reasonable price, if you use a coupon. As for sterling silver, use coupons to get some smaller pieces from michael's, like clasps and earring hooks. If you use a weekly 40% off coupon and buy one thing a week, you can get some pretty good prices on it.

Fire Mountain Gems is a great place for supplies at great prices, but can be overwhelming the first time you order from them, and it can be tempting to buy a lot from them because of the great prices (I have beads and stones from them that I've had for over a year that are still waiting to be used ). I would start her off with a beading class or a small kit from a local craft store, and then if she seems to really like it, order her some things from Fire Mountain. If you really want to get her swarovski crystal, though, Fire Mountain is the place to order them from- they have a great selection, and the best prices I've found so far.

When I was 12, I wanted to get into jewelry making because my grandmother and great-grandmother made jewelry, and begged for a kit from BJ's that I saw for Christmas. My mom thought it was just a passing thing, but got it for me anyway- and I'm so glad that she did. Here I am, 8 years later, and I make and sell jewelry at craft fairs, and am hoping to go to jewelry design school in the next few years, after I get my PR degree. I know that isn't the case with every little hobby someone picks up, but because of it, I feel like its worth it to let people experiment with different hobbies.

If you have any specific questions about supplies or anything, feel free to PM me and I'll do my best to answer them!

 

[mousefan5]

When I made jewelry, I ordered from art beads.com. Easy to order and free shipping for orders over $10. I agree with others about a class an buying a simple kit at michaels or hobby lobby with coupons. It is not overly expensive to get start if you buy just a few things. Art beads has some examples of some beautiful projects.

 

[Pixieflip]

You don't really need a ton of tools and supplies to give it a whirl. At a minimum, wire cutters, small pliers and some wire. They do sell nice starter kits that have trays and things that make it helpful. I love using the Swarovski Crystal Beads, too. They go on sale for 40-50% off all the time at Michael's and Hobby Lobby. Same with the sterling silver clasps and charms. Don't skimp on the silver, it wears well. The cheap stuff looks cheap from the beginning and only goes downhill after that. Watch for coupons and sales and give with the confidence that you know she wants to try it!

 

[luvthemouse71]

I found a website that tells you how to make paper beads, just like the ones Disney sells made out of park maps. Let me see if I can find it for you..

Here you go. www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-Paper-Beads/. You can use any kind of paper. I have a ton of park maps from my trips so I'm going to use that. I also bought two of the Disney ones in May and get lots of compliments.

I also used to make lots of beaded jewelry before and have been thinking of getting back into it. Hobby Lobby had some adorable charms and beads last time I was there.

 

[nicolet]

For those of you who do shows and sell online. Do you make a good buck? I have a good selection of beads from my grand mother. She really got me started with her stockpile. I have made over 50 beaded ornaments with beads and pushpins for my christmas tree. I have a love of beaded jewelry and can't stand to buy expansive beaded jewelry that I can make. I'm on disability and looking for a hobby.

 

[pixiewings71]

I have found some basic tools at my Wal-Mart, pliers, wire cutters, they also have some beads that are cute and some kits that are fun. I buy the majority of my beads from Michael's, and I have bought from firemountainbeads.com as well, love them. Beading is fun, I make a lot of gifts for friends and family and I made all my jewelry for Halloween this year as well, I got lots of compliments and people love my original designs.

Be warned, jewelry making and beading does not lend itself to being an inexpensive hobby. LOL

 

[Princess_Meghan <3]

For those of you who do shows and sell online. Do you make a good buck? I have a good selection of beads from my grand mother. She really got me started with her stockpile. I have made over 50 beaded ornaments with beads and pushpins for my christmas tree. I have a love of beaded jewelry and can't stand to buy expansive beaded jewelry that I can make. I'm on disability and looking for a hobby.

I typically make at least $50 over my table cost at every show. I don't make beaded ornaments, but my great-grandmother used to, and they always sold very well, especially near Christmas time.

 

[nicolet]

I was looking around and they can go for around 25 an ornament?? Interesting your grandmother made them also. My grandmother would save lace etc. From clothing.